AAA Warns Of "100 Deadliest Days" For Teen Drivers
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Traffic safety experts were warning parents of young drivers about the increased risk of crashes this summer.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has called the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day the "100 Deadliest Days," when there historically is a spike in traffic accidents involving teen drivers.
Looking back at 20 years of crash data, the foundation found most often – about two-thirds of the time – those who are hurt or killed are someone other than the teen behind the wheel; either a passenger, or someone in another vehicle.
"Teen crash rates are higher than any other age group, and this data confirms that the impact of their crashes extend well beyond the teen who is behind the wheel," said Peter Kissinger, President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "Since teens drive more during the summer than any other season, this insight is a timely reminder to everyone—drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists— to be mindful when sharing the roads with young drivers."
In 2013, more than 371,000 people were injured, and nearly 3,000 were killed in crashes involving a teen driver
The research also found crashes involving teen drivers have gone down over the past two decade, thanks to increased education, and more restrictions on young drivers.
"While great strides have been made to improve the safety of teen drivers over the past 20 years, motor vehicle crashes still remain the leading cause of death for drivers aged 15 to 19, so advocating on behalf of teen driver safety remains a top priority for AAA," said AAA Chicago spokeswoman Beth Mosher.
